4 Things To Do For A Healthy Fall

Fall officially began this year on September 23rd. According to Chinese Medicine, however, seasonal changes don’t necessarily follow a single date on the calendar. There are five seasons in Chinese medicine, all correlated with specific organ systems. Right now we are transitioning from late summer, the time of Spleen and Stomach, to fall, the time of Lung and Large Intestine.

During these seasonal changes, imbalances in our body can come to a head. Self-care becomes even more important as our body’s internal “weather patterns” are adjusting to the shifts in our external environment.

Here are four things you can do right now to help your body adjust from summer and move into a healthy fall season:

Get outside – Exposure to light can help our body adjust more evenly to the changing of the season with the added benefit of boosting our vitamin D which can help prevent winter blues.

Exercise – The energy of fall is about letting go of the old and beginning more of an inward focus. Circulating your blood helps the detoxification process. Take advantage of the crisp weather and maybe shed a few unwanted pounds in the process.

Cook your veggies – Now is a good time to start eating more cooked foods. It is easier on the digestive system and helps absorption of harder to digest vegetables such as broccoli. Warmer foods and liquids provide warmth from within which helps offset the cooler temps outside.

See your local acupuncturist – Acupuncturists can adjust treatments depending on the season. In my own practice, patients will often come in for seasonal “tune-ups” to balance the affected organ systems. Now is a good time to work on boosting the Lungs to help fight off early season viruses.

Live in the Yakima, Washington area? Increase your chances of staying healthy during fall by calling us to schedule your appointment today! (509) 457-2499